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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Revolution / Soccer => Topic started by: LatterDayCelticsfan on August 13, 2015, 05:31:56 AM

Title: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on August 13, 2015, 05:31:56 AM
Keep forgetting that thia season it is Man United and not Arsenal facing the final.huedle of qualifying before getting to the group stage proper
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on August 13, 2015, 06:00:45 AM
It`s been long since MU last played this early. I watch Brugge and it wasn`t something that can trouble a serious MU. If they take it lightly is another story !
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 10:38:28 AM
Real Madrid at the 2nd pot, Manchester City at 3rd.

Dang! Whoever draws them will be in a world of hurt. Here's hoping Bayern Munich draws them both.

Edit: I was wrong. They are on the same pot.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 12:24:43 PM
You have got to be kidding me!

Bayern Munich? Really? Out of all the team's we get to Bayern Munich's group?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 12:44:47 PM
So it's PSG - Real Madrid - Shaktar Donesk - Malmo

I don't know much about Malmo, but the rest reached the Knockout Stage last year. That's a brutal group.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 12:55:40 PM
Juventus - Manchester City - Sevilla - Gladbach.

That's a tough group as well.

Chelsea once again coming up with an easy group. Man, they're lucky.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: HomerSapien on August 27, 2015, 02:08:35 PM
#3 and 4 in Arsenal's group don't look too bad. We should get through.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 02:48:40 PM
#3 and 4 in Arsenal's group don't look too bad. We should get through.

Olympiacos is a CL regular, I would not take them lightly. Don't know much about Dynamo Zagreb.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: TA9 on August 27, 2015, 03:33:35 PM
It's unbelieveable how unlucky City are in terms of the group draw :-\ ... Regardless we should advance  ;D!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 27, 2015, 04:39:53 PM
It's unbelieveable how unlucky City are in terms of the group draw :-\ ... Regardless we should advance  ;D!

I think City wins that group, especially with the form their in right now. Juve lost a few key guys in tat last year's run.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: TA9 on August 27, 2015, 04:55:00 PM
It's unbelieveable how unlucky City are in terms of the group draw :-\ ... Regardless we should advance  ;D!

I think City wins that group, especially with the form their in right now. Juve lost a few key guys in tat last year's run.
Agree, I think they will win too. Everything less would honestly be a bit disappointing given how much money City have spent this transfer period (And reportedly 80 million euro more on De Bruyne soon :o!).
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on August 28, 2015, 02:32:54 AM
You have got to be kidding me!

Bayern Munich? Really? Out of all the team's we get to Bayern Munich's group?

Hang in there, Yoki.  As a Man City fan, I want to assure you that qualification for the Round of 16 is still eminently possible.  We had some success against them in the last two seasons in the group stage, and Arsenal is certainly capable of replicating that...but fer ****, kick Wenger in the posterior until he buys a striker and a holding mid.  ::)

You're right though, you're in a tough group, as Olympiakos are not to be underestimated.  However, I would be shocked if Arsenal finished third. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on August 28, 2015, 02:34:55 AM
It's unbelieveable how unlucky City are in terms of the group draw :-\ ... Regardless we should advance  ;D!

Sevilla will be a stern test for us, as well as for Juve.  We absolutely SHOULD advance, but it will be a struggle. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on August 28, 2015, 05:27:10 AM
You have got to be kidding me!

Bayern Munich? Really? Out of all the team's we get to Bayern Munich's group?

I m frustrated too.... i wanted bayern and real in the same group as olimpiacos. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: AngryAndIrritable on August 28, 2015, 07:49:35 AM
So it's PSG - Real Madrid - Shaktar Donesk - Malmo

I don't know much about Malmo, but the rest reached the Knockout Stage last year. That's a brutal group.

Malmo are no mugs. They are very good at digging in and counter attacking as their games against Celtic in the qualifier showed.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on August 28, 2015, 04:36:37 PM
So it's PSG - Real Madrid - Shaktar Donesk - Malmo

I don't know much about Malmo, but the rest reached the Knockout Stage last year. That's a brutal group.

Malmo are no mugs. They are very good at digging in and counter attacking as their games against Celtic in the qualifier showed.

There is no such thing as an "easy" CL Group stage match!  Play your best and take your chances, or you will lose in these fixtures.  I'm a Man City fan, so I know all about this dreadful phenomenon... :'( ;)
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on August 28, 2015, 05:03:03 PM
So it's PSG - Real Madrid - Shaktar Donesk - Malmo

I don't know much about Malmo, but the rest reached the Knockout Stage last year. That's a brutal group.

Malmo are no mugs. They are very good at digging in and counter attacking as their games against Celtic in the qualifier showed.

There is no such thing as an "easy" CL Group stage match!  Play your best and take your chances, or you will lose in these fixtures.  I'm a Man City fan, so I know all about this dreadful phenomenon... :'( ;)

That's true. But there's always the Group of Death.

It's understandable that there's no easy group, but as a club, you'd atleast try to avoid a tough group to ensure a top 16 finish.

You guys, for two years in a row, are in a tough group. While I get that Zenit is no easy way out, I'm pretty sure your boys would rather have them in their group than Juventus.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on August 29, 2015, 08:54:22 PM
So it's PSG - Real Madrid - Shaktar Donesk - Malmo

I don't know much about Malmo, but the rest reached the Knockout Stage last year. That's a brutal group.

Malmo are no mugs. They are very good at digging in and counter attacking as their games against Celtic in the qualifier showed.

There is no such thing as an "easy" CL Group stage match!  Play your best and take your chances, or you will lose in these fixtures.  I'm a Man City fan, so I know all about this dreadful phenomenon... :'( ;)

That's true. But there's always the Group of Death.

It's understandable that there's no easy group, but as a club, you'd atleast try to avoid a tough group to ensure a top 16 finish.

You guys, for two years in a row, are in a tough group. While I get that Zenit is no easy way out, I'm pretty sure your boys would rather have them in their group than Juventus.

It's actually THREE years in a row.  Hey, at this point, I expect City to always get the toughest group.  This time, however, I think it is possible to win this group, but it will take consistency of form throughout our six group matches to achieve that.  No easy matches in our group, and Sevilla is an exceptionally tough 3rd pot opponent. 

Thank heavens we won't have to face old friend Carlos Tevez in the Juve fixtures! 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 03, 2015, 04:23:19 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on September 03, 2015, 04:33:29 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.

It is because they had no history in Europe until recently so they have been a low seeded team until now. Anytime you are in the third or fourth pot, odds are you are going to end up in a tough group because you are going to be paired with a first seed + second seed instead of one of the bottom seeds. Teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd often got easier groups because they were a top seeded or 2nd seeded team so they were matched up against more bottom seeded teams.

City were unlucky this year. They were a 2nd pot team. Their first time out of the 4th and 3rd seed groups I believe. Things should be better for them in the future now that they have worked their way out of the bottom pots.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 03, 2015, 04:49:56 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.

It is because they had no history in Europe until recently so they have been a low seeded team until now. Anytime you are in the third or fourth pot, odds are you are going to end up in a tough group because you are going to be paired with a first seed + second seed instead of one of the bottom seeds. Teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd often got easier groups because they were a top seeded or 2nd seeded team so they were matched up against more bottom seeded teams.

City were unlucky this year. They were a 2nd pot team. Their first time out of the 4th and 3rd seed groups I believe. Things should be better for them in the future now that they have worked their way out of the bottom pots.

That's what I'm saying tho, Manchester City was in the same pot as Manchester United and Arsenal but got in a much harder group. And Juve was in pot 1 but we got the hardest group
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: TA9 on September 03, 2015, 05:31:47 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.
That thought has also crossed my mind a couple of times the last few years! City have always been drawn in a tough group and this year is no exception. The thing that annoys me the most is how "lucky" United have been. They always seem to draw the easy teams ::)

For the sake of Italian football, I hope that you are right in regards to Juve and City advancing in the Group D. The teams in Serie A have been really bad in the European competitions (Napoli and Lazio was a big disappointment this year) which is why I'm hoping that Juve and Roma can make Italy proud by their performance in the UEFA Champions League. Our National team is already suffering from how bad our domestic league has become :-X
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 03, 2015, 05:39:26 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.
That thought has also crossed my mind a couple of times the last few years! City have always been drawn in a tough group and this year is no exception. The thing that annoys me the most is how "lucky" United have been. They always seem to draw the easy teams ::)

For the sake of Italian football, I hope that you are right in regards to Juve and City advancing in the Group D. The teams in Serie A have been really bad in the European competitions (Napoli and Lazio was a big disappointment this year) which is why I'm hoping that Juve and Roma can make Italy proud by their performance in the UEFA Champions League. Our National team is already suffering from how bad our domestic league has become :-X

Serie A was very good in Europa League last year. I kno it sounds bad but I root against the other Serie A clubs in Champions League but root for them in Europa League. More money for Juve and more coefficient points for Serie A
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: TA9 on September 03, 2015, 05:50:12 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.
That thought has also crossed my mind a couple of times the last few years! City have always been drawn in a tough group and this year is no exception. The thing that annoys me the most is how "lucky" United have been. They always seem to draw the easy teams ::)

For the sake of Italian football, I hope that you are right in regards to Juve and City advancing in the Group D. The teams in Serie A have been really bad in the European competitions (Napoli and Lazio was a big disappointment this year) which is why I'm hoping that Juve and Roma can make Italy proud by their performance in the UEFA Champions League. Our National team is already suffering from how bad our domestic league has become :-X

Serie A was very good in Europa League last year. I kno it sounds bad but I root against the other Serie A clubs in Champions League but root for them in Europa League. More money for Juve and more coefficient points for Serie A
Can't blame you, I did the same when Milan was in the CHL but that feels like a millennium ago.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on September 03, 2015, 10:55:30 PM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.
That thought has also crossed my mind a couple of times the last few years! City have always been drawn in a tough group and this year is no exception. The thing that annoys me the most is how "lucky" United have been. They always seem to draw the easy teams ::)

For the sake of Italian football, I hope that you are right in regards to Juve and City advancing in the Group D. The teams in Serie A have been really bad in the European competitions (Napoli and Lazio was a big disappointment this year) which is why I'm hoping that Juve and Roma can make Italy proud by their performance in the UEFA Champions League. Our National team is already suffering from how bad our domestic league has become :-X

Serie A was very good in Europa League last year. I kno it sounds bad but I root against the other Serie A clubs in Champions League but root for them in Europa League. More money for Juve and more coefficient points for Serie A
Can't blame you, I did the same when Milan was in the CHL but that feels like a millennium ago.

Imo our national team is bad because Serie A clubs don't trust young Italian players. Even Juve picked Dybala instead of Berardi. Dybala is a very good young player imo, but so is Berardi and he should be at a bigger club than Sassuolo.

Imo our league is not what it once was because of poor ownership. Of course calciopoli also wrecked Serie A. Old stadiums, outdated tactics, bad economy, poor marketing etc have contributed to poor European performance which has caused our league to be less popular worldwide.

I hate almost everyone else besides Juve in Serie A, but I do want Serie A and of course the national team to rise again.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 04, 2015, 02:29:34 AM
I feel like it's rigged. Manchester City are always in a tough group every year, and the other english clubs never get hard groups. All the other english clubs should have no trouble advancing this year. I think Juve and Manchester City will ultimately advance from our group but we both easily got the hardest group.

As a Man City fan, I'm looking forward to playing home-and-away against la Vecchia Signora, a fantastic club with such a rich history.  Sevilla and Gladbach are also great old clubs - just viewed the latter's Bundesliga game from last weekend, as well as Sevilla's last match.  The only question in my mind is whether or not City can finish ahead a Juve, but I agree that both our clubs are highly likely to advance.  Sevilla have struggled so far, but I'm sure they'll be supremely motivated for the CL matches.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 07, 2015, 10:28:20 PM
Didn't want to open a new thread, but this is pretty good news.

http://www.espnfc.com/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2599199/real-madrid-turned-down-ronald-bid-psg-transfer-talk
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 15, 2015, 04:06:11 PM
Manchester United losing to PSV 2-1. No answer for their counter attack.

Edit: United lost 2-1. PSV has an awesome crowd.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 15, 2015, 04:52:20 PM
Luke Shaw seems to have broken his leg after a nasty challenge. It's bad to worse for United.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 15, 2015, 06:57:00 PM
Pellegrini was badly outmanaged today.  In addition, this core of City players will never succeed in the CL, as it has become a psychological issue for them, and an intractable one at that. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 15, 2015, 06:57:55 PM
Luke Shaw seems to have broken his leg after a nasty challenge. It's bad to worse for United.

Double whammy for United.  Hate to see this happen to any player. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 15, 2015, 11:35:00 PM
Luke Shaw seems to have broken his leg after a nasty challenge. It's bad to worse for United.

Double whammy for United.  Hate to see this happen to any player.

Watched the replay a few times when I had the chance. On slow mo, it seems like a good tackle by Hector Moreno (who ironically broke his leg in the same fashion), just unlucky that the leg got tangled. But the lead leg of Moreno seems to have gotten the ball.

Bad luck, United.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 16, 2015, 03:32:28 PM
Luke Shaw seems to have broken his leg after a nasty challenge. It's bad to worse for United.

Double whammy for United.  Hate to see this happen to any player.

Watched the replay a few times when I had the chance. On slow mo, it seems like a good tackle by Hector Moreno (who ironically broke his leg in the same fashion), just unlucky that the leg got tangled. But the lead leg of Moreno seems to have gotten the ball.

Bad luck, United.

Haven't seen the play, not in any hurry to, but it sounds like the trailing leg may have got him at the end of the tackle.  If so, it wouldn't be the first time a player sustained this horrible injury in that particular manner.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 16, 2015, 03:57:29 PM
Dat Florenzi goal. Wow! That's about what, atleast 60 yards out?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 16, 2015, 04:02:55 PM
Arsenal has been disappointing.

The defending is poop, the set piece defending is poop. Everything but Ozil right now is poop.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on September 17, 2015, 01:34:04 PM
Arsenal has been disappointing.

The defending is poop, the set piece defending is poop. Everything but Ozil right now is poop.

Knowing Ôzil even that might not last :-P
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on September 17, 2015, 01:52:42 PM
I thought Arsenal should've dropped Ozil and switched to 3 in midfield. I don't think they can play a 2 man midfield with Arteta as one of the 2. At the very least, I thought Ramsey should have played instead of Cazorla. At least Ramsey would have brought a bit more energy, running and defensive work. Cazorla and Arteta together was asking for trouble.

Giroud is having a rough start to the season. Letting his frustrations get the better of him and digging himself a deeper hole. Badly needs a goal or two to snap out of this funk. Was so close with those two early chances too ... things not going his way at the moment.

This loss might be a good thing for Arsenal heading into the weekend game against Chelsea. Arsenal (manager + players) seemed over confident about their chances with all the troubles Chelsea have been going through to start the season. I think this loss will do Arsenal some good. Keep their feet on the ground. Make them realize how much more work they need to do to be ready for Chelsea.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 17, 2015, 02:09:18 PM
I thought Arsenal should've dropped Ozil and switched to 3 in midfield. I don't think they can play a 2 man midfield with Arteta as one of the 2. At the very least, I thought Ramsey should have played instead of Cazorla. At least Ramsey would have brought a bit more energy, running and defensive work. Cazorla and Arteta together was asking for trouble.

Giroud is having a rough start to the season. Letting his frustrations get the better of him and digging himself a deeper hole. Badly needs a goal or two to snap out of this funk. Was so close with those two early chances too ... things not going his way at the moment.

This loss might be a good thing for Arsenal heading into the weekend game against Chelsea. Arsenal (manager + players) seemed over confident about their chances with all the troubles Chelsea have been going through to start the season. I think this loss will do Arsenal some good. Keep their feet on the ground. Make them realize how much more work they need to do to be ready for Chelsea.

You forgot to mention how poor Debuchy and Gibbs were. It could rust, but I don't think so. Bad defending all around.

Giroud was an idiot.

And the fact that Wenger didn't buy a competent CM to dispel Coquelin is now being exposed. Now it's looking like Coquelin has to play every game until the January window, atleast. No defensive presence on the midfield at all.

It was a poor performance all around, it's frustrating. Zagreb didn't do anything special, both goals were handed to them on a plate from bad defending.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: HomerSapien on September 17, 2015, 02:16:00 PM
I thought Arsenal should've dropped Ozil and switched to 3 in midfield. I don't think they can play a 2 man midfield with Arteta as one of the 2. At the very least, I thought Ramsey should have played instead of Cazorla. At least Ramsey would have brought a bit more energy, running and defensive work. Cazorla and Arteta together was asking for trouble.

Giroud is having a rough start to the season. Letting his frustrations get the better of him and digging himself a deeper hole. Badly needs a goal or two to snap out of this funk. Was so close with those two early chances too ... things not going his way at the moment.

This loss might be a good thing for Arsenal heading into the weekend game against Chelsea. Arsenal (manager + players) seemed over confident about their chances with all the troubles Chelsea have been going through to start the season. I think this loss will do Arsenal some good. Keep their feet on the ground. Make them realize how much more work they need to do to be ready for Chelsea.

You forgot to mention how poor Debuchy and Gibbs were. It could rust, but I don't think so. Bad defending all around.

Giroud was an idiot.

And the fact that Wenger didn't buy a competent CM to dispel Coquelin is now being exposed. Now it's looking like Coquelin has to play every game until the January window, atleast. No defensive presence on the midfield at all.

It was a poor performance all around, it's frustrating. Zagreb didn't do anything special, both goals were handed to them on a plate from bad defending.
I feel like it's been the same story but just with different names for the past 4 - 5 seasons for Arsenal.  I wish Wenger would retire so that we can hire Jurgen Klopp to manage the team.  I'd love to see him on the sidelines at the Emirates.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Vox_Populi on September 17, 2015, 02:53:49 PM
Same thing every year with Arsenal. Drop points in the group stages to inferior teams. Dang themselves to a second place finish. Meet a Spanish/German giant. Eliminated.

At least now nearly every English team is an embarrassment in Europe. City and Man United don't look like they're going far either. Won't be long now until England loses their 4th CL spot.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 17, 2015, 03:43:54 PM
Same thing every year with Arsenal. Drop points in the group stages to inferior teams. Dang themselves to a second place finish. Meet a Spanish/German giant. Eliminated.

At least now nearly every English team is an embarrassment in Europe. City and Man United don't look like they're going far either. Won't be long now until England loses their 4th CL spot.

Yeah, but City lost to Juventus, and united, while a better team, lost to PSV. Both are far better teams than Dinamo Zagreb. And add to it that Zagreb didn't do anything better than Arsenal in that game. We got killed by sloppy defending. Inexcusable.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on September 17, 2015, 04:35:20 PM
Man City were really disappointing against Juventus.

Yaya Toure and Fernandinho did a good job at the base of midfield but they were outnumbered 3-to-2 so they had to stay in position and were unable to get forward. Playing David Silva and Samir Nasri together put two slower attacking midfield. No Aguero so City lost explosive pace up front as well. Leaving Sterling as their only quick-footed attacker. Everybody else was playing in front of a set-up Juventus defense and in a crowded midfield. They couldn't get forward. Made themselves so easy to defend against. Juve swarmed Sterling every time he touched the ball.

I hate that Pelligrini has dropped Navas from the first 11. With De Bruyne on board, I expect this will happen more and more for City. That explosive pace on either side of the pitch has been so valuable for City in the league to start the season. Silly to go away from it.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 18, 2015, 04:40:26 PM
I thought Arsenal should've dropped Ozil and switched to 3 in midfield. I don't think they can play a 2 man midfield with Arteta as one of the 2. At the very least, I thought Ramsey should have played instead of Cazorla. At least Ramsey would have brought a bit more energy, running and defensive work. Cazorla and Arteta together was asking for trouble.

Giroud is having a rough start to the season. Letting his frustrations get the better of him and digging himself a deeper hole. Badly needs a goal or two to snap out of this funk. Was so close with those two early chances too ... things not going his way at the moment.

This loss might be a good thing for Arsenal heading into the weekend game against Chelsea. Arsenal (manager + players) seemed over confident about their chances with all the troubles Chelsea have been going through to start the season. I think this loss will do Arsenal some good. Keep their feet on the ground. Make them realize how much more work they need to do to be ready for Chelsea.

Attempting to utilize Ramsay, Cazorla or Arteta in holding roles is nonsense.  This is why a second DM (beyond Coquelin) was an imperative in the transfer window, or ,er, it should have been. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 18, 2015, 04:43:44 PM
Man City were really disappointing against Juventus.

Yaya Toure and Fernandinho did a good job at the base of midfield but they were outnumbered 3-to-2 so they had to stay in position and were unable to get forward. Playing David Silva and Samir Nasri together put two slower attacking midfield. No Aguero so City lost explosive pace up front as well. Leaving Sterling as their only quick-footed attacker. Everybody else was playing in front of a set-up Juventus defense and in a crowded midfield. They couldn't get forward. Made themselves so easy to defend against. Juve swarmed Sterling every time he touched the ball.

I hate that Pelligrini has dropped Navas from the first 11. With De Bruyne on board, I expect this will happen more and more for City. That explosive pace on either side of the pitch has been so valuable for City in the league to start the season. Silly to go away from it.

Fantastic post - agree 100% and I'm a City fan.  Well played, Who!  With Sterling on the left and Navas on the right, we have the correct balance between attacking and defending, pace and solidity. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 29, 2015, 04:44:27 PM
Terrible defending and blunder goalkeeping. Arsenal dropped points again.

Don't think they advance this year unless they beat Bayern Munich.

Edit: Wow, next two games is home/away vs Bayern Munich. Yep, we are done.
 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on September 29, 2015, 05:00:16 PM
Switching between the two games today - Arsenal vs Olympiakos & Chelsea vs Porto.

Chelsea were absolutely miserable. Over-run in midfield. Imbula and Danilo were superb for Porto. So much more muscle and class than Chelsea. Fabregas at the tip of a three man midfield was a disaster. Ramires the only Chelsea midfielder who showed up and played well. The attack was blunt with Pedro, Willian and D.Costa. Not enough one-on-one skills again. I do not understand not playing Hazard in such a big game. He is the only player who can consistently go past people one-on-one in the team. Diego Costa slow and lumbersome. Defense had far too many mistakes. Ivanovic looked weak again when attacked yet somehow remains in the team. No idea why Ivanovic was selected against someone like Brahimi with all his pace and trickery.

Arsenal were abysmal in the first half. I thought they played very well in the 2nd half. Loved Alexis' header for the 2nd goal. Conceding that quick 3rd knocked the stuffing out of them though. And as usual, opposing team just clogged the middle of the pitch and forced Arsenal to attack out wide which Arsenal do not want to do and handled Arsenal's late pressure comfortably. I do not understand why so many Arsenal players are such poor crossers of the ball from wide areas. I do not understand why Cazorla and Ozil keep trying to pass their way through 8 defenders / midfielders instead of attacking wide where there is space. I thought Ozil had a shocking match for Arsenal. Looks tired to me. Not playing with same energy / purpose as in beginning of the season. Do not understand why Cech did not play. Ospina's howler has cost them badly here.

Poor performances from the English teams. In real danger of losing that 4th Champions League spot.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on September 29, 2015, 06:45:36 PM
Spot on, Who.

Although they did try attacking wide in the last 20 minutes, there was such persistence on attacking over a packed midfield. Admittedly though, in that 50th-65th minute span, they have been relentless in attacking.

As soon as they got the goal, the momentum was theirs, until they fell asleep on defense and conceded yet another goal.

Frustrating.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on September 29, 2015, 07:20:34 PM
Spot on, Who.

Although they did try attacking wide in the last 20 minutes, there was such persistence on attacking over a packed midfield. Admittedly though, in that 50th-65th minute span, they have been relentless in attacking.

As soon as they got the goal, the momentum was theirs, until they fell asleep on defense and conceded yet another goal.

Frustrating.

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing your attacking players attempting to pass the ball through a picket fence.  I agree with Who that it is best to attack the parked bus by utilzing pace and width to cross into the box from the wings.  Of course, some tall players with aerial ability who are actually in the box also needed.  This is why I hoped we would hang onto Dzeko for one more season. 

I'm absolutely dreading City's CL Group fixture at Mönchengladbach tomorrow.  Reading your posts about Arsenal and Chelsea today has only deepened the sense of panic and terror that grips me... :'(  Surely, surely, surely, Pellegrini will pair the Two Ferns in front of the back line and push Yaya further forward, right?  ::)
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on September 30, 2015, 04:05:13 AM
There are 3 ways overcome such a defensive line

1)pass through it
2)wing play
3)long shots

the first options works only if you are barcelona (or maybe bayern)
the other two force the defenders to cover more space and leave more open space (which arsenal is great in taking advantege of)
but there should be someone in the box to collect the ball. arsenal doesn`t have a player to play this way.

BTW Roberto is very good keeper !!!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on October 01, 2015, 07:10:42 AM
There are 3 ways overcome such a defensive line

1)pass through it
2)wing play
3)long shots

the first options works only if you are barcelona (or maybe bayern)
the other two force the defenders to cover more space and leave more open space (which arsenal is great in taking advantege of)
but there should be someone in the box to collect the ball. arsenal doesn`t have a player to play this way.

BTW Roberto is very good keeper !!!

I think Pellegrini is missing a trick by not instructing our players to set Yaya and Fernandinho up for shots from just outside the box when the bus is parked in front of us.  They can be deadly from there, especially Toure, and there is always the possibility of a rebound.  Against the parked bus, failure results in being cheaply and quickly dispossessed, which can open up the quick counter. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on October 02, 2015, 04:56:04 AM
Arsenal are not serious.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on October 20, 2015, 11:25:51 AM
Looking forward to viewing Bayern at Arsenal and Chelsea at Dynamo Kiev today. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on October 20, 2015, 05:07:07 PM
Can't believe we beat Bayern Munich, even after Munich controlled most of the game.

David Alaba, a world class Full Back, got scorched by Hector Bellerin. It seems like Barcelona has found their RB of the future in him.   ;) (DON'T SELL HIM, ARSENE)
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on October 20, 2015, 11:31:41 PM
Can't believe we beat Bayern Munich, even after Munich controlled most of the game.

David Alaba, a world class Full Back, got scorched by Hector Bellerin. It seems like Barcelona has found their RB of the future in him.   ;) (DON'T SELL HIM, ARSENE)

Viewed the match, and Arsenal were fantastic.  A heady, disciplined performance - Bravo!  I would expect your club to experience a big positive carry-over effect in coming PL matches.

Other than United, I cannot think of another club I loathe more than Bayern... ;D
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 08, 2015, 10:50:43 PM
God bless Sevilla FC...!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on December 10, 2015, 05:42:47 AM
and Arsenal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on December 10, 2015, 06:57:28 AM
And release his righteous justice upon Manchester United.  I'd love to see them schooled by Liverpool FC in the Europa league. Then they shall know gegenpressing is not a new way to iron clothes
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 10, 2015, 09:32:42 AM
Kinda disappointed Chelsea won. I wanted them to lose so Mourinho would get fired.

Stuck with him now.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on December 10, 2015, 12:55:06 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 10, 2015, 01:20:17 PM
Arsenal broke through after losing the their first 2 games.

Wenger really need to buy players this January if we're going to continue from this.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 10, 2015, 01:36:57 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....

We'll see. I am hoping the pressure will crank up a bit more over next few weeks and that LVG resigns from team. He is a quitter when things get too bad. Another couple of 0-0 draws. A few more crowd booings at full time.

There is still hope ....

LVG out!
LVG out!
LVG out!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 10, 2015, 04:50:19 PM
And release his righteous justice upon Manchester United.  I'd love to see them schooled by Liverpool FC in the Europa league. Then they shall know gegenpressing is not a new way to iron clothes

United may wind up in a situation in which it is necessary for it to win the EL to qualify for next season's CL.  Can you imagine if Pool knocked them off in the final to grab that spot themselves?! 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 10, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
Arsenal broke through after losing the their first 2 games.

Wenger really need to buy players this January if we're going to continue from this.

Striker, DM still needed, the latter especially.  Another backliner wouldn't hurt, either.  With the right buys, Arsenal could pip my City, Pool and the Foxes to win the title.  Spurs should buy in the window, also. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 14, 2015, 10:28:45 AM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 14, 2015, 12:32:06 PM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)

Congratulations - you have won the booby prize after my club had the honor the last two seasons. 

Pretty amusing that Chelsea have drawn PSG... ;D
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 14, 2015, 12:37:23 PM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)

Congratulations - you have won the booby prize after my club had the honor the last two seasons. 

Pretty amusing that Chelsea have drawn PSG... ;D

That's what, 3 years in a row PSG and Chelsea play each other?

Also, hey, we're going to have to beat a giant team to win the UCL anyway, might as well do it early. One Twitter account made sense of this.

Win = Great, we beat Barca.
Lose = Focus on the PL.

No downsides. :-D
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 14, 2015, 01:13:21 PM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)

Congratulations - you have won the booby prize after my club had the honor the last two seasons. 

Pretty amusing that Chelsea have drawn PSG... ;D

That's what, 3 years in a row PSG and Chelsea play each other?

Also, hey, we're going to have to beat a giant team to win the UCL anyway, might as well do it early. One Twitter account made sense of this.

Win = Great, we beat Barca.
Lose = Focus on the PL.

No downsides. :-D

Eh, City had Bayern two straight years and then Barca for two, so I'm not shedding any tears for anyone! 

You've got the right attitude about facing Barcelona.  Show up, do your best, and who knows?  Barca are great, but that's not the same thing as invincible... ;)  However, you really shouldn't contemplate facing Barca without Coquelin, at the very least.  Play two ace holding mids if you don't wish to be torn to shreds (in other words, learn from City's blunders) and then keep men behind the ball, concede possession and attack on the counter with your great pace. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Casperian on December 14, 2015, 01:58:42 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....

We'll see. I am hoping the pressure will crank up a bit more over next few weeks and that LVG resigns from team. He is a quitter when things get too bad. Another couple of 0-0 draws. A few more crowd booings at full time.

There is still hope ....

LVG out!
LVG out!
LVG out!

Why would you hope for such a thing?

I think LVG is doing a pretty good job at MU...
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 14, 2015, 02:04:05 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....

We'll see. I am hoping the pressure will crank up a bit more over next few weeks and that LVG resigns from team. He is a quitter when things get too bad. Another couple of 0-0 draws. A few more crowd booings at full time.

There is still hope ....

LVG out!
LVG out!
LVG out!

Why would you hope for such a thing?

I think LVG is doing a pretty good job at MU...

Man Utd are playing very effective football but extremely dull and boring football.

Too much slow tempo play + sideways and backwards passing.

Results are going well. Style is sub-standard and ill-suited to United's attacking ethos.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Casperian on December 14, 2015, 02:19:08 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....

We'll see. I am hoping the pressure will crank up a bit more over next few weeks and that LVG resigns from team. He is a quitter when things get too bad. Another couple of 0-0 draws. A few more crowd booings at full time.

There is still hope ....

LVG out!
LVG out!
LVG out!

Why would you hope for such a thing?

I think LVG is doing a pretty good job at MU...

Man Utd are playing very effective football but extremely dull and boring football.

Too much slow tempo play + sideways and backwards passing.

Results are going well. Style is sub-standard and ill-suited to United's attacking ethos.

Considering how young the team is, the fact that half their offense is new to the club, and that MU generally is in a transition phase, boring football doesn't sound like a good reason to get rid of the coach.

Did you also want to get rid of Pep at Barca when they were playing it sideways all the time?

It's just odd, considering you wanted more time for Moyes.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 14, 2015, 02:32:20 PM
That didn`t help MU get rid of LVG.....

We'll see. I am hoping the pressure will crank up a bit more over next few weeks and that LVG resigns from team. He is a quitter when things get too bad. Another couple of 0-0 draws. A few more crowd booings at full time.

There is still hope ....

LVG out!
LVG out!
LVG out!

Why would you hope for such a thing?

I think LVG is doing a pretty good job at MU...

Man Utd are playing very effective football but extremely dull and boring football.

Too much slow tempo play + sideways and backwards passing.

Results are going well. Style is sub-standard and ill-suited to United's attacking ethos.

Considering how young the team is, the fact that half their offense is new to the club, and that MU generally is in a transition phase, boring football doesn't sound like a good reason to get rid of the coach.

Did you also want to get rid of Pep at Barca when they were playing it sideways all the time?

It's just odd, considering you wanted more time for Moyes.

Barcelona attacked. They played short passes but they attacked.

Man Utd players scared to take risks out of fear of Van Gaal and losing the ball. Martial / Depay, neither one of them are being given enough freedom to express themselves. To go one-on-one and drive past players. To make risky passes. Van Gaal got rid of Di Maria for that exact reason. Can you imagine how fun and exciting an attack you could build out of Di Maria, Depay and Martial ... That would have been terrific!

I hate the double pivot too. I think Van Gaal's 433 is much better than his 4-2-3-1. His 4-2-3-1 is boring. Too much safety-first stance.

Herrera, despite being United's best CM, regularly out of the team because Van Gaal prefers holding midfielders than central midfielders who will join the attack.

Mata almost always flung out on the right wing in favour instead of as an ACM. Wide players regularly too deep in the 4-2-3-1. Not getting around the back of defenders often enough. Looking to come deep. Wingers too far away from striker. Striker isolated. Has nobody to pass the ball to.

Attacks are slow that opponent always has time to setup / organize themselves defensively.

It is boring to watch. It not Man Utd. It does not represent Man Utd.

Van Gaal is a very good coach but at the wrong team for his style of football.

They should fire him. Wrong coach for the club.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 14, 2015, 02:42:27 PM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)

Congratulations - you have won the booby prize after my club had the honor the last two seasons. 

Pretty amusing that Chelsea have drawn PSG... ;D

That's what, 3 years in a row PSG and Chelsea play each other?

Also, hey, we're going to have to beat a giant team to win the UCL anyway, might as well do it early. One Twitter account made sense of this.

Win = Great, we beat Barca.
Lose = Focus on the PL.

No downsides. :-D

Eh, City had Bayern two straight years and then Barca for two, so I'm not shedding any tears for anyone! 

You've got the right attitude about facing Barcelona.  Show up, do your best, and who knows?  Barca are great, but that's not the same thing as invincible... ;)  However, you really shouldn't contemplate facing Barca without Coquelin, at the very least.  Play two ace holding mids if you don't wish to be torn to shreds (in other words, learn from City's blunders) and then keep men behind the ball, concede possession and attack on the counter with your great pace.

Where are we getting the two ace holding mids? Chances are we're fielding Ramsey and Flamini in there. Andres Iniesta is probably looking at that midfield and drooling right now. Not sure if Coq would be fit till then, or even at least Wilshere.

January window would be interesting for Arsenal. Would they finally address that DM hole? William Carvalho or Victor Wanyama could still be had if we are willing to spend. That should certainly help. Krychowiak is cup tied, he would have been perfect.

Matheiu Flamini! Get scared, Barcelona.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 14, 2015, 03:16:47 PM
I think Arsenal should drop Ozil for the Barcelona games. Play a central midfielder instead of Ozil. Someone who will do a bit more graft. I don't think Arsenal will have enough of the ball to properly utilize Ozil against Barca.

Flamini as holding midfielder with Wilshere and Ramsey as CMs.
Then A.Sanchez and T.Walcott as wide players running from wings to join Giroud or Welbeck.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on December 14, 2015, 07:28:13 PM
I think Arsenal should drop Ozil for the Barcelona games. Play a central midfielder instead of Ozil. Someone who will do a bit more graft. I don't think Arsenal will have enough of the ball to properly utilize Ozil against Barca.

Flamini as holding midfielder with Wilshere and Ramsey as CMs.
Then A.Sanchez and T.Walcott as wide players running from wings to join Giroud or Welbeck.

Drop one of the best, if not the best player in the team? I understand the logic of it, but that's killing whatever chance we have to score. Arsenal would still need him on the counter to pass that long ball. No one else in the team can do that, the other being Santi Cazorla, is not going to be fit until March.

Wilshere is still hurt, don't even know when he's going to come back.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 14, 2015, 09:35:27 PM
So, after that great escape, Arsenal's reward is Barcelona...

Well, crabs...

(http://www.sofascore.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-of-163.jpg)

Congratulations - you have won the booby prize after my club had the honor the last two seasons. 

Pretty amusing that Chelsea have drawn PSG... ;D

That's what, 3 years in a row PSG and Chelsea play each other?

Also, hey, we're going to have to beat a giant team to win the UCL anyway, might as well do it early. One Twitter account made sense of this.

Win = Great, we beat Barca.
Lose = Focus on the PL.

No downsides. :-D

Eh, City had Bayern two straight years and then Barca for two, so I'm not shedding any tears for anyone! 

You've got the right attitude about facing Barcelona.  Show up, do your best, and who knows?  Barca are great, but that's not the same thing as invincible... ;)  However, you really shouldn't contemplate facing Barca without Coquelin, at the very least.  Play two ace holding mids if you don't wish to be torn to shreds (in other words, learn from City's blunders) and then keep men behind the ball, concede possession and attack on the counter with your great pace.

Where are we getting the two ace holding mids? Chances are we're fielding Ramsey and Flamini in there. Andres Iniesta is probably looking at that midfield and drooling right now. Not sure if Coq would be fit till then, or even at least Wilshere.

January window would be interesting for Arsenal. Would they finally address that DM hole? William Carvalho or Victor Wanyama could still be had if we are willing to spend. That should certainly help. Krychowiak is cup tied, he would have been perfect.

Matheiu Flamini! Get scared, Barcelona.

Where do you get them?  In the January transfer window, and sharpish!  According to physioroom.com, Coquelin out to mid-February but Wilshere due back on 01.08.2016 and Rosicky on 01.24.2016.  Wanyama would be fine, William is terrific but would cost £££.  Krychowiak is one of the most annoying players in world football, literally on a level with the likes of Diego Costa.  He's a big guy, but he's a butcher at heart, and he'll stack up yellow cards even in the PL.  Get William and Wanyama, the latter is already acclimated and the former has great ball skills for a ballwinner.  Wenger will love him and you'll have the first legitimately powerful and influential central mid since Vieira was in his prime.  Your fixtures against Barca are 02.23.2016 and 03.16.2016 so you do have some time to integrate them into your squad and system of play. 

Looking forward to Dynamo Kiev.  We have a score to settle with that club (eliminated by them in EL 2011) but their home tie will be in an "empty stadium" so our fans won't be allowed to attend, either.  This ban is for racist abuse of Chelsea players during the group stage. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 14, 2015, 09:40:43 PM
I think Arsenal should drop Ozil for the Barcelona games. Play a central midfielder instead of Ozil. Someone who will do a bit more graft. I don't think Arsenal will have enough of the ball to properly utilize Ozil against Barca.

Flamini as holding midfielder with Wilshere and Ramsey as CMs.
Then A.Sanchez and T.Walcott as wide players running from wings to join Giroud or Welbeck.

Drop one of the best, if not the best player in the team? I understand the logic of it, but that's killing whatever chance we have to score. Arsenal would still need him on the counter to pass that long ball. No one else in the team can do that, the other being Santi Cazorla, is not going to be fit until March.

Wilshere is still hurt, don't even know when he's going to come back.

Too bad you don't still have Alex Song; he was terrific as a creative long passer from deep.  Whenever he gets healthy and fit again, maybe Arsenal should take a look at bringing him back.  He'd cost nowt, but could be an effective box-to-box for you. By the way, old friend Nigel de Jong is available for 2-3 million euros from AC Milan.  You could do a lot worse - City have never really recovered our former defensive form since Mancini forced him out, and he's already proven he can excel in England.   
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on December 14, 2015, 09:49:52 PM
I think Arsenal should drop Ozil for the Barcelona games. Play a central midfielder instead of Ozil. Someone who will do a bit more graft. I don't think Arsenal will have enough of the ball to properly utilize Ozil against Barca.

Flamini as holding midfielder with Wilshere and Ramsey as CMs.
Then A.Sanchez and T.Walcott as wide players running from wings to join Giroud or Welbeck.

Drop one of the best, if not the best player in the team? I understand the logic of it, but that's killing whatever chance we have to score. Arsenal would still need him on the counter to pass that long ball. No one else in the team can do that, the other being Santi Cazorla, is not going to be fit until March.

Wilshere is still hurt, don't even know when he's going to come back.

Too bad you don't still have Alex Song; he was terrific as a creative long passer from deep.  Whenever he gets healthy and fit again, maybe Arsenal should take a look at bringing him back.  He'd cost nowt, but could be an effective box-to-box for you. By the way, old friend Nigel de Jong is available for 2-3 million euros from AC Milan.  You could do a lot worse - City have never really recovered our former defensive form since Mancini forced him out, and he's already proven he can excel in England.

Oh, I like that. De Jong would be great for Arsenal. Suitable stop-gap option while Coquelin is out injured and can return to a reserve role once Coquelin is back in shape. Premier League experience. Cheap price tag. Perfect signing.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on December 14, 2015, 10:58:39 PM
I think Arsenal should drop Ozil for the Barcelona games. Play a central midfielder instead of Ozil. Someone who will do a bit more graft. I don't think Arsenal will have enough of the ball to properly utilize Ozil against Barca.

Flamini as holding midfielder with Wilshere and Ramsey as CMs.
Then A.Sanchez and T.Walcott as wide players running from wings to join Giroud or Welbeck.

Drop one of the best, if not the best player in the team? I understand the logic of it, but that's killing whatever chance we have to score. Arsenal would still need him on the counter to pass that long ball. No one else in the team can do that, the other being Santi Cazorla, is not going to be fit until March.

Wilshere is still hurt, don't even know when he's going to come back.

Too bad you don't still have Alex Song; he was terrific as a creative long passer from deep.  Whenever he gets healthy and fit again, maybe Arsenal should take a look at bringing him back.  He'd cost nowt, but could be an effective box-to-box for you. By the way, old friend Nigel de Jong is available for 2-3 million euros from AC Milan.  You could do a lot worse - City have never really recovered our former defensive form since Mancini forced him out, and he's already proven he can excel in England.

Oh, I like that. De Jong would be great for Arsenal. Suitable stop-gap option while Coquelin is out injured and can return to a reserve role once Coquelin is back in shape. Premier League experience. Cheap price tag. Perfect signing.

Nigel's a bit old, so he could play alongside Coquelin for the Barca matches.  He's actually a much better long than short or intermediary passer, but as everyone knows, he's a wrecking ball with few discernable ball skills.  However, he alone can stiffen the spine of any squad, and he's a very intelligent player. 

By the way, I think your suggestion about dropping Özil against Barca is worth considering.  As you suggested, I'd rather be solid in the middle and attack with blinding pace down the wings on the counter with Alexis and Walcott.  Here's another possibility:  play Walcott up top with Özil on a wing at the Emirates, but not at the Camp Nou. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on January 02, 2016, 08:16:03 PM
Juve should be ashamed for not winning the group. Only we would beat Manchester City twice and then still manage to not win the group. Only we would need just a draw to win the group in the final match and still lose. We deserve to face Bayern and will probably lose to the club we handed Vidal and Coman to. Shameful ending to the summer mercato for Juve. And shameful ending to the Champions League groups.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 02, 2016, 08:48:23 PM
Juve should be ashamed for not winning the group. Only we would beat Manchester City twice and then still manage to not win the group. Only we would need just a draw to win the group in the final match and still lose. We deserve to face Bayern and will probably lose to the club we handed Vidal and Coman to. Shameful ending to the summer mercato for Juve. And shameful ending to the Champions League groups.

Read from Sky Sports that Juve is readying a bid for Ilkay Gundogan. He's not Vidal when it comes to tackling, but he should provide good midfield option for your boys.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on January 02, 2016, 09:43:14 PM
Juve should be ashamed for not winning the group. Only we would beat Manchester City twice and then still manage to not win the group. Only we would need just a draw to win the group in the final match and still lose. We deserve to face Bayern and will probably lose to the club we handed Vidal and Coman to. Shameful ending to the summer mercato for Juve. And shameful ending to the Champions League groups.

Read from Sky Sports that Juve is readying a bid for Ilkay Gundogan. He's not Vidal when it comes to tackling, but he should provide good midfield option for your boys.

What's the status of his back condition?  Looks like neither of our clubs deserved to win today, but both did...whew!  :-[
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on January 02, 2016, 11:18:07 PM
Juve should be ashamed for not winning the group. Only we would beat Manchester City twice and then still manage to not win the group. Only we would need just a draw to win the group in the final match and still lose. We deserve to face Bayern and will probably lose to the club we handed Vidal and Coman to. Shameful ending to the summer mercato for Juve. And shameful ending to the Champions League groups.

Read from Sky Sports that Juve is readying a bid for Ilkay Gundogan. He's not Vidal when it comes to tackling, but he should provide good midfield option for your boys.
That would be great but I just don't see it because we usually don't spend money in January. After making the champions league final and after our summer sales we have money to spend its just a matter of if they decide to actually spend it. You can't be a top club unless your front office believes it and our front office has a small club mentality. We need to make a big January signing and make it past Bayern for me to forgive the club for their major mistakes. The end of the summer was a train wreck but it would be all forgiven if we make a big January signing. The end of the group stages was also a train wreck but it would all be forgiven if we advanced. The club put themselves in this position, and must be held accountable.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on January 03, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
Juve should be ashamed for not winning the group. Only we would beat Manchester City twice and then still manage to not win the group. Only we would need just a draw to win the group in the final match and still lose. We deserve to face Bayern and will probably lose to the club we handed Vidal and Coman to. Shameful ending to the summer mercato for Juve. And shameful ending to the Champions League groups.

As a City fan, I fully commiserate with you, as our CL group was a bizarre affair, to say the least.  That being said, best of luck to the Old Lady; I will be viewing your two ties against Bayern and pulling hard for your club. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 04, 2016, 02:44:16 PM
I think it's safe to post this here.

Rafa Benitez SACKED. Zinedine Zidane will replace him.

http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2768232/real-madrid-sack-rafa-benitez-name-zinedine-zidane-as-coach

Quote
Rafa Benitez has been sacked as Real Madrid manager less than seven months after he was appointed and former player Zinedine Zidane has been named as coach, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said on Monday.

I mean, I get the move. But half way thru?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on January 04, 2016, 02:54:32 PM
I think it's safe to post this here.

Rafa Benitez SACKED. Zinedine Zidane will replace him.

http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2768232/real-madrid-sack-rafa-benitez-name-zinedine-zidane-as-coach

Quote
Rafa Benitez has been sacked as Real Madrid manager less than seven months after he was appointed and former player Zinedine Zidane has been named as coach, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said on Monday.

I mean, I get the move. But half way thru?

It was pretty much clear that the players didn t like him. The championship is imho out of reach so they ll try to win the cl
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on January 04, 2016, 03:39:32 PM
I thought they should have given Rafa the full season. He has had some super Champions League runs in the past.

Reports were that Zidane was underwhelming / underachieving at Real Madrid B team. But Real do not really need a manger ... Zidane can be their cheerleader. Like Di Matteo was for Chelsea. Bad managers but inspirational voice on an experienced squad who already know how to win. It could work for a short period.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on January 04, 2016, 03:48:38 PM
Rafa's super runs are long. I always thought of him as a bad choice.
I don t like zizou also as a first coach. I doubt he ll be a decent Cl level coach. And his real b past isn t encouraging. He has already asked for the return of iker.....

But i totaly agree that today  real needs a babysitter rather than a real coach .
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on January 04, 2016, 04:37:23 PM
Rafa's super runs are long. I always thought of him as a bad choice.
I don t like zizou also as a first coach. I doubt he ll be a decent Cl level coach. And his real b past isn t encouraging. He has already asked for the return of iker.....

But i totaly agree that today  real needs a babysitter rather than a real coach .

And that's what they've got now, a babysitter.  This won't work out well for RM, this season, or beyond.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: ederson on January 04, 2016, 04:47:11 PM
There is chance that zizou turns out to be the next big thing in coaching
i highly doubt it so he won t be a good solution in the long term

RM now doesn t need an X n O guy but someone their stars will respect and play for ... that wasn t the case with rafa
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on January 04, 2016, 09:17:02 PM
There is chance that zizou turns out to be the next big thing in coaching
i highly doubt it so he won t be a good solution in the long term

RM now doesn t need an X n O guy but someone their stars will respect and play for ... that wasn t the case with rafa

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 11:34:03 AM
Arsenal v Barcelona
Juventus v Bayern Munich

Now that's how you spend a Champions League Tuesday. 4 giant squads going at on one day.

Who ya got? 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on February 23, 2016, 01:02:39 PM
Arsenal v Barcelona
Juventus v Bayern Munich

Now that's how you spend a Champions League Tuesday. 4 giant squads going at on one day.

Who ya got?

I will be cheering for Arsenal and Juventus but unfortunately I don't think things are looking good for either side.

Arsenal have been pretty unconvincing of late. I don't think they are up to the task of tackling Barcelona right now. In their best form, yes, I think Arsenal have a decent shot at knocking Barca off ... but not when they are not playing so well.

No Cazorla is a big loss for Arsenal. As is Jack Wilshere. No Tomas Rosicky either. That lack of a ball-playing CM is going to make it much harder for Arsenal to keep the ball and to coordinate quick counter attacks. I also think Gabriel is a loss for Arsenal because his quickness would be a tremendous asset defensively against Barca's skillful and speedy forwards.

I believe Bayern have a couple of injuries at the back. Maybe that gives Juve a bit of an opening. No Boateng. No Javi Martinez. No Badstuber. But they still have the best midfield in the World and a fearsome attack.

Juventus have done really well to get back in the league but they are a much younger and less mature side this year after the losses of Tevez, Vidal and Pirlo. I don't think they have the talent or leadership (in midfield and attack) to beat the top sides in Europe this season. I think the league is a good target for them but they need to mature more before they will be a threat to win in Europe once more.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 01:05:08 PM
Always loved your insights, Who.

That Barcelona front three would probably be just too much for Arsenal. Not to mention that Arsenal is a possession heavy team, and will not get possession from Barca. The only way we beat them would be through the counter, and we're not really good at it.

You think Arsenal should start Walcott up front to add more pace to the counter?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on February 23, 2016, 01:32:00 PM
Always loved your insights, Who.

That Barcelona front three would probably be just too much for Arsenal. Not to mention that Arsenal is a possession heavy team, and will not get possession from Barca. The only way we beat them would be through the counter, and we're not really good at it.

You think Arsenal should start Walcott up front to add more pace to the counter?

I don't know.

I think I'd go with Giroud. Having his aerial presence will be great for relieving pressure when Barca get on top of Arsenal. Let Arsenal start their attacks higher up the pitch off of long balls rather than trying to play through Barca's pressure (especially since no Cazorla or Wilshere). Go for knock downs to Ozil and then try to play in the wide men.

Walcott definitely needs to be on the pitch though. He always causes Barca problems with his pace. Start Walcott on the right and try to get him in behind Jordi Alba as much as possible. Sanchez playing a bit deeper on the other wing. More in the buildup.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 01:38:02 PM
Always loved your insights, Who.

That Barcelona front three would probably be just too much for Arsenal. Not to mention that Arsenal is a possession heavy team, and will not get possession from Barca. The only way we beat them would be through the counter, and we're not really good at it.

You think Arsenal should start Walcott up front to add more pace to the counter?

I don't know.

I think I'd go with Giroud. Having his aerial presence will be great for relieving pressure when Barca get on top of Arsenal. Let Arsenal start their attacks higher up the pitch off of long balls rather than trying to play through Barca's pressure (especially since no Cazorla or Wilshere). Go for knock downs to Ozil and then try to play in the wide men.

Walcott definitely needs to be on the pitch though. He always causes Barca problems with his pace. Start Walcott on the right and try to get him in behind Jordi Alba as much as possible. Sanchez playing a bit deeper on the other wing. More in the buildup.

That's what a lot of Arsenal fans are thinking, put him on the right, but I'm kind of weary about that because of Theo's lack of defending.

Barca's Full Backs overlap, and with Walcott not tracking back, it would put a ton of pressure for Hector Bellerin to close that right side.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Quetzalcoatl on February 23, 2016, 02:03:28 PM
I'm still sad Juventus lost Vidal.  When he played with Pogba it was magical.  They were so fun to watch last year
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 02:07:51 PM
I'm still sad Juventus lost Vidal.  When he played with Pogba it was magical.  They were so fun to watch last year

I forgot about that little underlying story. Arturo Vidal returns to Turin.

Wonder how the Juventus fans would treat him as he takes that pitch?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Quetzalcoatl on February 23, 2016, 02:10:59 PM
I'm still sad Juventus lost Vidal.  When he played with Pogba it was magical.  They were so fun to watch last year

I forgot about that little underlying story. Arturo Vidal returns to Turin.

Wonder how the Juventus fans would treat him as he takes that pitch?

Pogba said he was going to "kick him a few times" or something, but he was clearly just joking around.  I can't believe how young Pogba is either, he was 21 as the best player on one of the two teams in the Champions League Finals last year.  Such a beast
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 02:41:04 PM
Always loved your insights, Who.

That Barcelona front three would probably be just too much for Arsenal. Not to mention that Arsenal is a possession heavy team, and will not get possession from Barca. The only way we beat them would be through the counter, and we're not really good at it.

You think Arsenal should start Walcott up front to add more pace to the counter?

I don't know.

I think I'd go with Giroud. Having his aerial presence will be great for relieving pressure when Barca get on top of Arsenal. Let Arsenal start their attacks higher up the pitch off of long balls rather than trying to play through Barca's pressure (especially since no Cazorla or Wilshere). Go for knock downs to Ozil and then try to play in the wide men.

Walcott definitely needs to be on the pitch though. He always causes Barca problems with his pace. Start Walcott on the right and try to get him in behind Jordi Alba as much as possible. Sanchez playing a bit deeper on the other wing. More in the buildup.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would be starting in the right, I guess, based on the team sheets.

Good, provides a little bit more pace for the counter.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on February 23, 2016, 02:51:30 PM
Bit early to give out a yellow card. Let it go.

Ramsey and Coquelin getting pulled out pretty far from their defenders. Lot of space in there between the midfield and defense for Barca to exploit.

Oh my goodness! How did Oxlade-Chamberlain miss that.

Oh, that was beautiful. Just before half-time. Busquets diagonal ball to Dani Alves who on the volley crosses it back towards near post, Suarez with the glancing header. Just wide. Arsenal very lucky to survive that. Two good goal scoring chances for Barca in last couple of minutes. Arsenal need a halftime badly.

Ah no, Arsenal were doing so good. Good breakaway by Barca. Goal Messi. Arsenal fell apart too easily after that failed cross. Arsenal looking tired over last 6-8 mins.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 23, 2016, 04:30:02 PM
Bit early to give out a yellow card. Let it go.

Ramsey and Coquelin getting pulled out pretty far from their defenders. Lot of space in there between the midfield and defense for Barca to exploit.

Oh my goodness! How did Oxlade-Chamberlain miss that.

Oh, that was beautiful. Just before half-time. Busquets diagonal ball to Dani Alves who on the volley crosses it back towards near post, Suarez with the glancing header. Just wide. Arsenal very lucky to survive that. Two good goal scoring chances for Barca in last couple of minutes. Arsenal need a halftime badly.

Ah no, Arsenal were doing so good. Good breakaway by Barca. Goal Messi. Arsenal fell apart too easily after that failed cross. Arsenal looking tired over last 6-8 mins.

That was a great counter attack. Nothing we could do about it.

That penalty by Flamini, nothing we could either. Messi puts that in the back of the net no matter what. Horrible clearing by Per, but maybe just because he's too tired, under a ton of pressure, or both.

Gunners gave it all, just got outmatched. Too many careless passes and bad clearances in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on March 10, 2016, 07:07:24 AM
That's all she wrote for Chelsea's Champions League run. ios this truly the end of an era? Antonio Conte's got a full on rebuild on his hands.


Also Liverpool V. Man United in the Europa League. think how unlikely that was 10 years ago, when English clubs owned Europe
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 10, 2016, 07:31:22 AM
That's all she wrote for Chelsea's Champions League run. ios this truly the end of an era? Antonio Conte's got a full on rebuild on his hands.

I think Chelsea still have the 2nd or 3rd best (Arsenal?) squad in England behind Man City and probably still a top 10 team in Europe as well.  Form guide shows Chelsea are actually 2nd in the league since Hiddink took over and the team is still underachieving in their football under Hiddink. Clearly, this is still a really talented team. So I don't think there is any need for a major rebuild.

2 or 3 signings would make the world of difference to this team. Give it some fresh energy and a bit of talent upgrade. Beyond that, Chelsea's main problem is coaching. Fix the coaching and they'll have done 75% of the job right there. I don't know if Conte is the answer or not. I have some concerns about him -- (a) never coached outside of Italy (b) the 3 CB system he used a lot in Italy hasn't worked well in England (c) renowned for his preparation before each opponent - won't have the time for the same prep work in England due to schedule (d) I thought his Juve teams underachieved in Champs League and in Europa League (e) Italian National team work hasn't shown much good football albeit in difficult circumstances .... but still, he did do a great job domestically with Juve and got the team to actually play together which is something Chelsea have struggled with lately. Especially with attacking as a team. They defend well as a team. But attacking is too segmented. Defenders too limited. Holding midfielders too restricted. Too much reliance on individualism and a lack of team work.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 10, 2016, 02:35:58 PM
Europa League

I don't understand why Tottenham put this team selection out today against Dortmund. They are playing one of the top sides in Europe and they play a B team? Carroll and Mason were cut apart in midfield by Dortmund. Tottenham toothless up front without Harry Kane. Dortmund were terrific. They really put on a show tonight. Thoroughly dominated Tottenham.

Looking forward to that Liverpool vs Man Utd tie. Hopefully it'll be a good game but I kinda feel both coaches will set out to frustrate the other one. I doubt we'll see the quality that Dortmund just showed against Tottenham (from these two English giants).

Edit: Good game. Liverpool deserved winners. Man Utd were pretty disappointing. No cohesiveness to their play. Their wingers pinned back. Rashford miscast as a winger. Mata doing nothing as an attacking mid. Looked like they should have picked a 3rd CM instead of Mata and given wingers more freedom to stay high up the pitch instead of chasing Liverpool's full backs. Liverpool were very good. Cut through United's defense easily in first half. Should have scored a few more and ended the tie. Liverpool in great position heading into 2nd leg.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 10, 2016, 02:39:30 PM
Just thinking earlier about whether I still have Chelsea in my top 10 squads in Europe.

So here is my list:

Top 5 teams = Bayern, Barca, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Real Madrid

Rest of top 10 11 = Dortmund, Juventus, Napoli, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Forza Juventus on March 11, 2016, 12:00:21 PM
That's all she wrote for Chelsea's Champions League run. ios this truly the end of an era? Antonio Conte's got a full on rebuild on his hands.

I think Chelsea still have the 2nd or 3rd best (Arsenal?) squad in England behind Man City and probably still a top 10 team in Europe as well.  Form guide shows Chelsea are actually 2nd in the league since Hiddink took over and the team is still underachieving in their football under Hiddink. Clearly, this is still a really talented team. So I don't think there is any need for a major rebuild.

2 or 3 signings would make the world of difference to this team. Give it some fresh energy and a bit of talent upgrade. Beyond that, Chelsea's main problem is coaching. Fix the coaching and they'll have done 75% of the job right there. I don't know if Conte is the answer or not. I have some concerns about him -- (a) never coached outside of Italy (b) the 3 CB system he used a lot in Italy hasn't worked well in England (c) renowned for his preparation before each opponent - won't have the time for the same prep work in England due to schedule (d) I thought his Juve teams underachieved in Champs League and in Europa League (e) Italian National team work hasn't shown much good football albeit in difficult circumstances .... but still, he did do a great job domestically with Juve and got the team to actually play together which is something Chelsea have struggled with lately. Especially with attacking as a team. They defend well as a team. But attacking is too segmented. Defenders too limited. Holding midfielders too restricted. Too much reliance on individualism and a lack of team work.

Conte uses the 3-5-2 system but also likes the 4-3-3 and 4-2-4 systems. I think he also would like the 4-2-3-1 system. Mainly he just wants his players to track back. He used the 4-3-3 for part of his first year with Juve. He used 4-2-4 before he was at Juve with smaller clubs. I don't think he would be set on using the 3-5-2 because he has used other systems before, he is just really stubborn and uncompromising. He is a perfectionist so if one thing is off he won't change systems. And I strongly disagree with people that say Conte was unsuccessful in Europe with Juve. His first year in Europe Juve made the quarterfinals of the Champions League and were knocked out by Bayern, the eventual winners. His second year we embarrassed ourselves and were knocked out in the group stages in a group that was not even very difficult. As a result of coming in third, Juve were in the Europa League and lost in the semi finals. I was disappointed with Juve's performance in Europe that second year but to say Conte was disappointing in Europe is unfair. He was good one year and bad one year. Chelsea made a good decision hiring him. He will immediately be easily one of the best managers in the Premier League. Ranieri is winning that league. He is a nice guy but hardly a world class manager. It's good to see him experience so much success tho. Very likable. The top 10 clubs in Europe are as follows imo:
1 Barcelona
2 Bayern Munich
3 Real Madrid
4 PSG
5 Juventus
6 Atletico Madrid
7 Manchester City
8 Borussia Dortmund
9 Arsenal
10 Napoli
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 16, 2016, 05:18:29 PM
Love what I saw from Arsenal in an attacking sense. Just could not finish. Unfortunately, Barcelona is just too skilled, too cohesive and too talented. The Suarez goal is just superb.

On the other side, WOW! Never thought I'd see this but Juventus, kicking the butt of Bayern Munich. They're looking really, really good.

Oh. Bayern got 1 in, need one more to force extra time.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 16, 2016, 05:21:56 PM
Incredible performance from Juve. Missing several key players -- Dybala, Marischio, Chiellini -- to play this well without those key guys and to knock out a team as good as Bayern .... this would be an incredible achievement.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 16, 2016, 05:27:47 PM
Incredible performance from Juve. Missing several key players -- Dybala, Marischio, Chiellini -- to play this well without those key guys and to knock out a team as good as Bayern .... this would be an incredible achievement.

Looks like they haven't lost a beat despite losing Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal. What an exciting squad to watch. 

Paul Pogba, Jesus he's sooooo good.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 16, 2016, 05:36:08 PM
Oh holy cow. Thomas Mueller, game saving goal coming from a PERFECT cross from Coman.

Penalty shootout? Yes please!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 16, 2016, 06:04:25 PM
Lovely goal by Thiago. Quick thinking and calm touches. Best CM in World Football.

Oh my, a 2nd quick goal. Coman! Great strike with his left foot.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 16, 2016, 06:05:43 PM
Ah, there goes...

What a great run and touch by Thiago.

Oh, that was a quick one-two. Lovely curl by Coman to beat Gigi Buffoon.

Lovely goal by Thiago. Quick thinking and calm touches. Best CM in World Football.

Better than Pogba?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: KGs Knee on March 16, 2016, 06:05:48 PM
What a collapse by Juve

Can't say I feel bad about seeing them choke
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 16, 2016, 06:07:06 PM
Ah, there goes...

What a great run and touch by Thiago.

Lovely goal by Thiago. Quick thinking and calm touches. Best CM in World Football.

Better than Pogba?

I think so. My favourite creative playmaking CM. Incredible vision, dribbling and technical ability.

Pogba will overtake Thiago in time but I am not giving it to him yet ...
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on March 16, 2016, 06:17:13 PM
So, from today, it's looking like Barcelona vs Bayern Munich in the Final.

Granted, Arsenal isn't a challenge, but the showed that talent level today. Bayern Munich did not just survive, but made a good statement that they aren't easily going to get beat.

I wonder how PSG would fare well with these two? I'm not so sure Real Madrid belong in the conversation at this point, I'd be surprised if they get past Barca or Bayern. But PSG, playing very well of late, I wonder if they have enough to give those two a run for their Euros?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on March 16, 2016, 06:52:53 PM
I love the way PSG play. They have been my favourite team to watch this season.

Their passing is amazing. I love the way their defenders are so comfortable on the ball. Maxwell is tremendous at LB. I miss David Luiz. Chelsea shouldn't have sold him. Veratti is a class act. Everyone is comfortable on the ball. So many players capable of making defense splitting passes. Then Ibrahimovic dropping deep .... PSG can create overloads in every area of the pitch.

Great individualism in Ibra, Di Maria and Lucas too. Great trickery. Capable of fooling any defender. Super pace out wide. Then Cavani. Matuidi (one of best box-to-box mids in world). So much talent.

PSG have learned so much from the mistakes made by (financial) predecessors like Chelsea and Man City. They have done a much better job of building a true team. Togetherness with attractive play.

I think PSG are well capable of knocking off Barcelona or Bayern.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on April 12, 2016, 10:17:02 PM
I love the way PSG play. They have been my favourite team to watch this season.

Their passing is amazing. I love the way their defenders are so comfortable on the ball. Maxwell is tremendous at LB. I miss David Luiz. Chelsea shouldn't have sold him. Veratti is a class act. Everyone is comfortable on the ball. So many players capable of making defense splitting passes. Then Ibrahimovic dropping deep .... PSG can create overloads in every area of the pitch.

Great individualism in Ibra, Di Maria and Lucas too. Great trickery. Capable of fooling any defender. Super pace out wide. Then Cavani. Matuidi (one of best box-to-box mids in world). So much talent.

PSG have learned so much from the mistakes made by (financial) predecessors like Chelsea and Man City. They have done a much better job of building a true team. Togetherness with attractive play.

I think PSG are well capable of knocking off Barcelona or Bayern.

I'm pretty chuffed that we have qualified for the CL Semis for the first time ever.  PSG a terrific squad, but I think they lost because they were not (surprisingly to me) able to dominate the midfield.  City were able to win back the ball after surrendering possession, and not fielding Yaya was key in that regard. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on April 13, 2016, 05:21:33 AM
I love the way PSG play. They have been my favourite team to watch this season.

Their passing is amazing. I love the way their defenders are so comfortable on the ball. Maxwell is tremendous at LB. I miss David Luiz. Chelsea shouldn't have sold him. Veratti is a class act. Everyone is comfortable on the ball. So many players capable of making defense splitting passes. Then Ibrahimovic dropping deep .... PSG can create overloads in every area of the pitch.

Great individualism in Ibra, Di Maria and Lucas too. Great trickery. Capable of fooling any defender. Super pace out wide. Then Cavani. Matuidi (one of best box-to-box mids in world). So much talent.

PSG have learned so much from the mistakes made by (financial) predecessors like Chelsea and Man City. They have done a much better job of building a true team. Togetherness with attractive play.

I think PSG are well capable of knocking off Barcelona or Bayern.

I'm pretty chuffed that we have qualified for the CL Semis for the first time ever.  PSG a terrific squad, but I think they lost because they were not (surprisingly to me) able to dominate the midfield.  City were able to win back the ball after surrendering possession, and not fielding Yaya was key in that regard.

Injuries and suspensions hurt PSG. They lost their first choice midfield. Veratti due to injury. Matuidi due to suspension. Motta had to go off injured in first half. PSG didn't have the depth to cope with those losses. They have one of the best midfields in Europe when those guys are together but their replacements were short of the quality PSG needed to boss the game.

I thought PSG should have changed their tactics and been more direct without that midfield quality but they tried to play the same way. I thought that played into Man City's hands because PSG no longer had the quality to patiently and methodically pick their way through Man City's defense. Made it comfortable for Man City to play on the counter attack.

Anyway, I am disappointed PSG are out. I love their team.

Happy to see an English team in the semi-finals though.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on April 13, 2016, 01:33:46 PM
I love the way PSG play. They have been my favourite team to watch this season.

Their passing is amazing. I love the way their defenders are so comfortable on the ball. Maxwell is tremendous at LB. I miss David Luiz. Chelsea shouldn't have sold him. Veratti is a class act. Everyone is comfortable on the ball. So many players capable of making defense splitting passes. Then Ibrahimovic dropping deep .... PSG can create overloads in every area of the pitch.

Great individualism in Ibra, Di Maria and Lucas too. Great trickery. Capable of fooling any defender. Super pace out wide. Then Cavani. Matuidi (one of best box-to-box mids in world). So much talent.

PSG have learned so much from the mistakes made by (financial) predecessors like Chelsea and Man City. They have done a much better job of building a true team. Togetherness with attractive play.

I think PSG are well capable of knocking off Barcelona or Bayern.

I'm pretty chuffed that we have qualified for the CL Semis for the first time ever.  PSG a terrific squad, but I think they lost because they were not (surprisingly to me) able to dominate the midfield.  City were able to win back the ball after surrendering possession, and not fielding Yaya was key in that regard.

Injuries and suspensions hurt PSG. They lost their first choice midfield. Veratti due to injury. Matuidi due to suspension. Motta had to go off injured in first half. PSG didn't have the depth to cope with those losses. They have one of the best midfields in Europe when those guys are together but their replacements were short of the quality PSG needed to boss the game.

I thought PSG should have changed their tactics and been more direct without that midfield quality but they tried to play the same way. I thought that played into Man City's hands because PSG no longer had the quality to patiently and methodically pick their way through Man City's defense. Made it comfortable for Man City to play on the counter attack.

Anyway, I am disappointed PSG are out. I love their team.

Happy to see an English team in the semi-finals though.

Losing Verratti and Matuidi, and then Motta, was devastating to PSG, no doubt, but injuries are part of the equation of any match.  Man City has been devastated by injuries this season, so I'm well aware of their importance, but at the end of the day, either you cope or you don't. PSG, great squad though they are, weren't able to in this tie, just as City have laid an egg in the EPL this season. 

Still very worried that Pool will win the EL, although they still have to best BVB and then, potentially, Sevilla, who won't wish to surrender their double crown easily.  City needs to secure third spot in the league, which means defeating Arsenal in our upcoming fixture. 

Will Blanc be sacked at season's end?  Given their domestic dominance, plus another CL quarter-final run, I think he deserves another year, even though I cannot stand the guy...
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on April 13, 2016, 04:37:24 PM
Atlético!
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on April 13, 2016, 04:37:26 PM
Barcelona went down.

Great performance by Atletico Madrid, but boy, Felipe Luis, talk about shutting down. He did a ton on this game and then some. Barca failed to capitalize on at least 2 great chances.

So, is it Bayern Munich's tournament to lose now?
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on April 13, 2016, 05:49:03 PM
I think it's fairly open.

I am going with Atletico as the team to beat. Best balance between recent form and overall talent. I am amazed at how much they have improved their passing and creative play this season. Fantastic job by Simeone.

Bayern I thought were the best team in Europe this season but they are struggling for consistency at the wrong time of the season. Injuries to the backline have hurt them defensively. Problems reintegrating Robben and Ribery. Creative play in final 3rd has suffered as a result. They do not look the smooth running machine of earlier in the campaign.

Real Madrid might be the 2nd best team left. Players getting healthy at the right time of the season and have picked up a couple of morale-boosting wins recently.

Man City the dark-horse of the four remaining teams. Enough match winners to cause problems for anybody. Pellegrini finally found a good balance (no Yaya) between workers and flair players in the last game.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on April 13, 2016, 06:17:32 PM
Still very worried that Pool will win the EL, although they still have to best BVB and then, potentially, Sevilla, who won't wish to surrender their double crown easily.  City needs to secure third spot in the league, which means defeating Arsenal in our upcoming fixture. 

Will Blanc be sacked at season's end?  Given their domestic dominance, plus another CL quarter-final run, I think he deserves another year, even though I cannot stand the guy...

Spain had 5 teams in the Champions League this season after Sevilla won Europa League. Is that not how it is done now? That England gets it's 4 teams + a 5th if Liverpool win EL?

Why do you not like Blanc? I am a big fan of his. I love the way his PSG team plays.

I hope PSG keeps Blanc around. I was surprised in the past that they showed loyalty to him despite Champions League disappointments. I hope they do so again. I hope they do not panic and go after Mourinho. PSG play such beautiful football. It would be a shame to see Mourinho go there and wreck that.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on April 13, 2016, 07:48:43 PM
Still very worried that Pool will win the EL, although they still have to best BVB and then, potentially, Sevilla, who won't wish to surrender their double crown easily.  City needs to secure third spot in the league, which means defeating Arsenal in our upcoming fixture. 

Will Blanc be sacked at season's end?  Given their domestic dominance, plus another CL quarter-final run, I think he deserves another year, even though I cannot stand the guy...

Spain had 5 teams in the Champions League this season after Sevilla won Europa League. Is that not how it is done now? That England gets it's 4 teams + a 5th if Liverpool win EL?

Why do you not like Blanc? I am a big fan of his. I love the way his PSG team plays.

I hope PSG keeps Blanc around. I was surprised in the past that they showed loyalty to him despite Champions League disappointments. I hope they do so again. I hope they do not panic and go after Mourinho. PSG play such beautiful football. It would be a shame to see Mourinho go there and wreck that.

It's been widely reported in the English footy press that if Pool win the EL, only the top 3 EPL finishers will qualify for next season's CL comp.  Of course, if Pool wins EL and City wins the CL (1% chance and I'm a City fan!) and both finish outside the top 4, I believe maybe only the top 2 EPL finishers would qualify for next CL comp.  Interesting point about La Liga having 5 reps in this season's CL comp, but maybe it's because UEFA has once again tinkered with the rules, as it seems to do every or every other season. 

I don't care for Blanc because he's arrogant (City are the CL's 'guest team' in this year's semis!), not to mention a racist (remember his suggestion as France national team manager that is was quite important to limit the participation of Black and Arab players in the national set-up).  That being said, he's a quality manager, and as I posted earlier, I think he deserves another season with PSG.  Prior to this CL tie, PSG was playing the second-best footy in Europe after Barca, even better than Bayern.  Bringing Maureen to Paris would destroy the beautiful foundation they have created and which has flowered this season.  Also, Maureen is that dangerous combo of a sociopath and a megalomaniac...I actually feel sorry for Chelsea and the Roman Empire for the ruins that Mou left behind him there.  Now that he's gone, I can stop hating Chelsea and even root for them at times, once again! 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on April 13, 2016, 07:51:42 PM
I think it's fairly open.

I am going with Atletico as the team to beat. Best balance between recent form and overall talent. I am amazed at how much they have improved their passing and creative play this season. Fantastic job by Simeone.

Bayern I thought were the best team in Europe this season but they are struggling for consistency at the wrong time of the season. Injuries to the backline have hurt them defensively. Problems reintegrating Robben and Ribery. Creative play in final 3rd has suffered as a result. They do not look the smooth running machine of earlier in the campaign.

Real Madrid might be the 2nd best team left. Players getting healthy at the right time of the season and have picked up a couple of morale-boosting wins recently.

Man City the dark-horse of the four remaining teams. Enough match winners to cause problems for anybody. Pellegrini finally found a good balance (no Yaya) between workers and flair players in the last game.

I'd rank them as (1) Bayern, (2) Atletico (3) Real and (4) City.  Regardless of who City draws, we will be hard-pressed to advance any further.  Great point about MP finding the right balance in these two matches.  Keep Yaya on the bench and prosper; play Yaya and you compete, 10 on 11, when the other side is in possession. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Sixth Man on April 13, 2016, 07:53:11 PM
Barcelona went down.

Great performance by Atletico Madrid, but boy, Felipe Luis, talk about shutting down. He did a ton on this game and then some. Barca failed to capitalize on at least 2 great chances.

So, is it Bayern Munich's tournament to lose now?

Short answer:  YES.  I'll be shocked if Bayern doesn't win the Big Ears this season. 
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on April 14, 2016, 03:17:48 PM
9 mins in. Dortmund already 2-0 up on Liverpool.  Two lovely goals on the break.

Dortmund are an incredible team. Tuchel was a great hire.

Edit: Holy moses ... I had to go out at halftime. Just got back at the end of the match. What a turnaround. Liverpool win 4-3!

Argh, devastated I missed that comeback.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on April 15, 2016, 04:50:22 AM
twas  3-1 when I went to bed, and when I woke up the first thing on my reader is Klopp talking of miracle comebacks.

 Almost as jarring as when I went to be reading how Danny Ainge had no plans to hire a coach within less than two weeks only to wake up and seeing this forum blowing up with folk hailing the genius that is Brad Stevens
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on May 04, 2016, 03:17:40 PM
Yaya Toure has been awful for Man City. They need to take him off and get someone on who will press Real Madrid's midfielders. Great choice by Zidane to play three ball-playing CMs in Kroos, Modric and Isco. Taking advantage of City's midfield.

De Bruyne hasn't been much better. Some sloppy touches. Terrible defending. Carvajal is getting whatever he wants down that right flank because De Bruyne isn't tracking back. Navas hasn't fared much better on the other side either.

City's three attacking midfielders really letting them down in the first half.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on May 04, 2016, 03:48:14 PM
I think City need a 2nd striker up there alongside Aguero. He was too isolated for the first 30 minutes and then got fed up and came deep for the rest of the half. So even when Man City had the ball in the final 3rd, they had nobody making runs in behind because Aguero wanted to be in around the ball. Bad play in both instances.

Real Madrid's CBs are handling Aguero easily. I think City need to bring on another striker to make it 2 vs 2 at the back. So they can stretch those CBs of Madrid better. I'd bring on Bony for Navas at halftime.

I'd also drop Yaya Toure for Delph. Play 4-3-1-2. Be direct and try to get the ball up to Aguero and Bony as fast as possible.

With De Bruyne making runs from midfield to join up with Aguero & Bony. I would have liked to have taken off De Bruyne as well for Sterling. I think Sterling's speed and dribbling could be very dangerous in central areas with Real Madrid playing with no defensive minded midfielders. But Pellegrini had to use that first half sub on Kompany so De Bruyne gets a pass. Ideally, I would have liked to have taken all 3 of City's attacking mids off. They were terrible in the first half and have started the 2nd half no better.
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on May 05, 2016, 07:25:50 AM
Another Madrid derby in The Champions league final :-O

If Atletico top Real, added to Clippers being better than the Lakers presently, throw in Man City, being ahead of United in the English Premier league. The world of sports has gone completely upside down
Title: Re: 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League
Post by: Who on May 28, 2016, 05:26:03 PM
I hate when Cup Finals are decided by penalties. They should do a replay.

Then again, this has been a bad match. Not sure I want to watch these two teams play each other again.